Due to the unfortunate circumstances of COVID-19, the 2020 Throwing Paint Workshop with Kim Johnson has been postponed until August of 2022.

2021 David R. Smith Workshop

David R. Smith is the 2021 NPWS visiting art instructor for our annual workshop August 21, 22, and 23.

Smith will teach NPWS artists how he “masks and pours” to accomplish his well-known, light drenched florals. He will also lead us through important tips to select and compositionally improve our not-so-perfect photo resource, plan, execute, and complete a beautiful watercolor painting of a townscape. This portion of our workshop is a subject he has not taught to any other group or in any of his online classes.

Artists will be provided reference photos for the floral piece, plus a typed outline and step-by-step instruction through all stages of the painting process.

Smith enjoys surrendering some control and working with the medium, which he believes often leads to naturally beautiful results. To keep the paintings from getting too precise, and instead, to convey a feeling of aliveness, David utilizes a number of techniques such as working wet into wet, glazing, pouring, spattering, and spraying. These techniques not only keep the painting fresh, but produce exciting interminglings and textures effortlessly, he says.

David says his favorite subjects tend to be found in nature. Depicting a subject in great light, capitalizing on the contrast developed by light and shadow, while showcasing the assortment of jewels that happen naturally through the fluid medium keeps him eager to paint his next creation.

Smith has studied with numerous instructors in the United States and in China. He has displayed his work in galleries and museums across America, and has received awards at both the state and national level. He is a Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and others.

Registration for the David R Smith workshop opens May 15, only on the NPWS web site. The fee for the 3-day adventure is $295 per person. The workshop will be held at the Dahl.

Class Size is limited to 20 participants. Class is currently full.
You will receive an email from Sandy Martin after registering with the schedule and materials list.

Waitlist and Refund Policy: The David Smith Workshop requires payment in full at the NPWS website.

Please contact gwenrayart@mail.com or lorita611@gmail.com to get your name on the wait list if the workshop is full.

Refund Policy: Cancellation is a 50% refund through July 17 and no refund after July 17. However, if the NPWS cancels the workshop because of Covid 19, you will receive a full refund. If for any reason you cannot attend the workshop you signed up for, you may NOT give your spot to someone else. The NPWS will offer the spot to people on the waitlist in numerical order.

Registration is now closed

For the first time, you can register on our website!

Two Day Workshop
August 22 & 23, 2020
Members: $190
non-Members: $240

Three Day Workshop
August 24-26, 2020
Members: $285
non-Members: $335

All Five Days
August 22-26, 2020
Members: $450
non-Members: $500

Class size is limited to 20 participants so register ASAP to secure your place at this outstanding workshop!

Payment: Full payment is due when you register.
If the workshop fills you may contact Gwen Ray at 605-431-9420, or Lori Deurmier at 605-381-4763, to be put on the waiting list.

Cancellation: The NPWS will give a 50% refund through July 17th, 2020. No refunds after July 17.
If you can not attend the workshop you signed up for you may not give your spot to someone.
The NPWS will offer openings to people on the wait list in numerical order.